NEI set out to help a country unable to resolve even the
most basic human needs, food and ability to sustain life.

A historically long war with Russia, a chaotic civil war, and
war with the United States has inundated the people of
Afghanistan with decades of unrest and unimaginable loss.
And although several developed countries brought their
expertise, money and material support Afghanistan remains
largely devastated.

NEI stepped forward into this context to help women and
children dying from malnutrition.

Recognizing that malnutrition is directly linked with protein
deficiency, NEI identified a reasonably simple and quick
solution to the most basic health concern threatening
Afghanistan’s women and children; soybeans. As a result,
since 2003, cultivation of soybeans has been taking place in
a land that previously never seen or heard of the tiny,
protein-filled bean. Currently, NEI is being fully supported by
the government and people of Afghanistan causing winds of
change.

President's Message

This is NEI’s seventh year working in Afghanistan. For the past seven years, we have been working tirelessly to build a soy industry as a practical remedy to the chronic malnutrition that too often cuts short the lives of women and children in the most impoverished areas of the country. It has truly been a tremendous journey since we first introduced soy as a viable protein source in 2003. The people of Afghanistan have proven incredibly rece- ptive to a crop that they had never heard of prior to our introduc- tion and are now planting soybeans in all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Together with these Afghan farmers we have shown that 1.) soybeans can grown in Afghanistan and 2.) the Afghan people enjoy soybeans integrating soybean into their normal diet 3.) malnourished women and children are regaining health through the consumption of soy foods.

These achievements have been made possible because people all around the world are coming together to support and collaborate with the people of Afghanistan. Our success is a direct result of the collective effort of the small farmers who benefit from our soy nutrition intervention programs, the international donors who continue to hope for a world where malnutrition does not exist, and the many patriotic government officials and leaders who have worked with NEI and have been willing to support our efforts.

With your support, together we have shown that malnutrition CAN be eradicated. Yet, we remain far from our overall goal. This year we need to expand our soy program significantly to make a difference in the lives of the many underprivileged Afghans who are often seen yet ignored. Your continued support and partnership is deeply appreciated. Together we can make a difference.

Korea-Afghanistan
Friendship Association

Afghanistan Friendship Association (KAFA) was established in May of 2003, as a member of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was created with the recognition that rebuilding of Afghanistan maybe helped by Korea’s experience of postwar recovery Korea had achieved after the Korean war. Since then KAFA has been promoting friendship between the two countries to build their relationships and trust. All of the sponsored efforts and activities in Korea related to soybean production and process in Afghanistan is being led by KAFA.